Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has strongly indicated that the Department of Justice will launch an investigation into Democratic members of Congress who created a video encouraging military personnel to refuse what they describe as illegal orders. The announcement came during a Wednesday appearance on Fox News with host Sean Hannity.
Investigation Focus on Intent
Blanche told Hannity that the proposed investigation would specifically examine the lawmakers' intent behind creating and distributing the controversial video. The deputy attorney general left little doubt about his position, stating that the clip actively encourages troops and others to defy direct commands from their superiors, which he characterized as fundamentally wrong.
"And so what does the investigation look like?" Blanche posed during the interview. "I think they should be held to account. I think that those congressmen should be required to answer questions about why they did what they did, and the American people deserve that, and so does President Trump."
Video Content and Lawmaker Defense
The video in question features Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Michigan, along with four other congressional members with military and intelligence backgrounds. In the clip, the Democrats urge service members to reject commands that they believe violate the law.
The lawmakers appeared to reference legally disputed federal operations ordered by Trump that targeted blue cities under the pretext of crime fighting. "This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens," the Democrats stated in their message.
They emphasized: "Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren't just coming from abroad. But from right here at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. ... You must refuse illegal orders. ... We need you to stand up for our laws, our Constitution and who we are as Americans."
Strong Reactions from Trump Allies
Blanche expressed strong disapproval of the video during his Fox News appearance, comparing it to enemy propaganda. "I felt like I was watching a propaganda video by one of our enemies trying to recruit the military to become spies," he told Hannity, while asserting that President Trump has done nothing illegal.
The controversy escalated when Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff, characterized the video as an act of "insurrection." This description prompted a sharp response from Senator Kelly, who fired back: "I know the difference between defending our Constitution and an insurrection, even if you don't."
When pressed by Hannity about whether the video creators had violated laws concerning rebellion and insurrection, Blanche maintained caution, stating, "I'm not convicting anybody tonight on this show." However, he emphasized that the matter requires "a very close look" and assured viewers that such scrutiny would indeed occur.
The developing situation highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers regarding military authority and constitutional obligations, setting the stage for a potentially significant legal and political confrontation.
